> outside of internet forums I have only occasionally met anyone who exhibits even the most mild form of pessimism. > As the final insult to injury, questioning

> outside of internet forums I have only occasionally met anyone who exhibits even the most mild form of pessimism. > As the final insult to injury, questioning that future becomes heresy and so you cannot even voice your anguish as the world around you starts to collapse. I think these are related. It's very socially difficult to express serious pessimism about the world - I don't think the future is bright, I think it is miserable and you either shouldn't have kids or you should be preparing them for a very different life. I can't really bring myself to say that to all my friends who have or are having children.